Had better not or Have better not?

Question

Hello,

I found the following question:

You______call too early. She might be

sleeping.

A. had better not

B. have better not

C. would be better

D. would not be better

I will be grateful if some one could explain me why the correct answer is A. had better instead

B. have better not

Thanks in advance.

Tanit · Accepted Answer

Hi,

AnonymousI will be grateful if some one could explain me why the correct answer is A. had better instead B. have better not

That's because "had better" is a fixed expression; you can find it in many dictionaries. For instance:

had better/best (do something)
used to tell somebody what you think they should do.

You'd better go to the doctor about your cough.
We'd better leave now or we'll miss the bus.
You'd better not do that again.‘I'll give you back the money tomorrow.’
‘You'd better!’ (= as a threat)
(SOURCE)

had best/better
mainly UK

used to suggest an action or to show that it is necessary

You had best tell her (= It would be wise if you told her) that you won't be able to come to her party.

We'd best be going now (= We should go now).

(http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/had-best-better#had-best-better__1)

Jacky56Lin · Answer

Hello Tanit

Sorry for interrupting! I'm a little interested about this discussion between you.

"You had better not call too early. She might be sleeping."

Can I use “You would not be better to call too early. She might be sleeping."

If No, why?

Thanks a lot

Yoong Liat · Answer

Jacky56LinHello Tanit

Sorry for interrupting! I'm a little interested about this discussion between you.
"You had better not call too early. She might be sleeping."

Can I use “You would not be better to call too early. She might be sleeping."
If No, why?

Thanks a lot

No, you can't.

CalifJim · Answer

Jacky56LinCan I use “You would not be better to call too early. She might be sleeping."

No, but you can use "It would be better not to call too early". It is the situation (it) that would be better, not you. You would still be the same no matter when you called.

You can also use "You would do better not to call too early". Then it is what you do that would be better.

CJ

Jacky56Lin · Answer

Thank You very much  CalifJim and Yoong

Had better not or Have better not?

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